About this album
Where they were
By the time 'Car Wheels on a Gravel Road' was released in 1998, Lucinda Williams had already established herself as a significant voice in alternative country. This album came five years after her critically acclaimed self-titled album, marking a pivotal moment in her career as she transitioned to broader recognition. The work solidified her reputation as a master storyteller and songwriter.
Why it matters
'Car Wheels on a Gravel Road' received widespread acclaim upon its release, earning a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 1999. It not only debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200 but also influenced a generation of singer-songwriters who followed, cementing Williams' role in shaping the Americana genre.
Essential tracks
- "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of longing and nostalgia, with vivid imagery reflecting rural life and personal journeys.
- "Drunken Angel" — A poignant tribute to the late musician Blaze Foley, this track showcases Williams' ability to blend personal loss with universal themes of love and struggle.
- "Lake Charles" — In 'Lake Charles,' Williams crafts a haunting narrative about memory and place, drawing from her Louisiana roots and exemplifying her lyrical depth.
Release Date
June 30, 1998
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Right in Time 4:36
- 2 Car Wheels on a Gravel Road 4:44
- 3 2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten 4:42
- 4 Drunken Angel 3:20
- 5 Concrete and Barbed Wire 3:08
- 6 Lake Charles 5:28
- 7 Can’t Let Go 3:28
- 8 I Lost It 3:31
- 9 Metal Firecracker 3:30
- 10 Greenville 3:23
- 11 Still I Long for Your Kiss 4:09
- 12 Joy 4:01
- 13 Jackson 3:42
